Religion and homosexuality are on a collision course with Del Shores' "Southern Baptist Sissies." The piece, described as "daring, heroic, and no-holds-barred hilarious" by critics, tells an unflinching story of four gay boys raised Southern Baptist.

Presented by Kirk-Burgess Productions, it runs Friday-July 13 at Darkhorse Theater, 4610 Charlotte Ave. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, in addition to 2:30 p.m. July 7 and 7:30 p.m. July 11.

L.T. Kirk, who leads Kirk-Burgess Productions along with Justin Burgess, notes that the climate between many churches and the gay community "remains contentious and strained, and this play has the possibility of taking the dialogue to another level."

As the son of a Baptist minister, he says, the subject matter hit close to home. In addition to Kirk, the play features Cinda McCain, Chuck Long, Danny Proctor, Daniel Vincent, Matt Smith, Josh Stutts and Carl Goad. As for playwright Shores, he's the force behind "Sordid Lives," "Yellow," and "Trials and Tribulations of a Trailer Park Housewife."

Tickets are $12 cash or check at the door; senior admission is $10 for ages 55 and older. Opening night tickets are two-for-one. Details: www.kirkburgess.net or 615-942-6211.